Saturday, January 14, 2012

Nanban Review



The story of how 3 fellows became thick mates, the story of a man who opposed the education system, a sweet love story, the search for a lost friend and with many more, the official remake of 3 Idiots in Tamil, Nanban (Friend) is an immensely gratifying experience.

The story basically revolves around a college, and everything that grows into life from it; Events stringed over a non-linear screenplay is what it’s all about. Just like Hirani’s earlier ones, there’s life in most events, events that you would relate to, events that paint a smile on your face, present in plenty. Well-sketched characters, and a neat flowing screenplay make this journey immensely delightful in more than a single way.


The highpoint of this flick, definitely is Vijay. Surprisingly, turns out with one of his career-best performances, after a long hiatus of cliche-filled roles. Aamir’s performance has clearly been taken as gospel, but still Vijay adds to it, a zing of his own. Jiiva again is a delight to watch, while Srikanth bounds leaps into commendable territory, from all the silver-screen debacles of his past. Sathyan is a livewire, whereas Sathyaraj is perfect in place. Ileana, sadly is the huge disappointment for an otherwise performance package; Varied scales of performance, with generous usage of her hip ( there’s even a song praising it! ).

Technically the film is top-notch. Manoj Paramahamsa’s cinematography makes you totally fall in love with the lush locales of Ooty as well as Andaman, as well as offer an undeterred visual experience in the emotional sequences. The CG work, though in bits, is done neat. Harris’s songs are peppy and hummable, though, the score falls short of being truly lifting, dramatic considering the movie’s emotional curve. Songs could have been shot better, though the director’s outrageous take on his very own ways has to be given a pat on the back. Antony’s edit falls short of expectations, for the few bad transits and a painfully long second half.

Finally Shankar; Probably the best thing he did, once deciding to remake 3Idiots, was to add nothing. To just replicate it, almost. Wise move, because most directors try remaking films in their own way and tamper with the original’s impact. Sadly, it’s not being appreciated much, audience somehow want Shankar to add as many new scenes he could possibly do. I’d rather commend him for the guts, a director of his stature could have, to photocopy a film ( officially! ), and to declare openly that every single appreciation Nanban would fetch, would truly belong to Hirani and not himself. Kudos! That tight slap struck every single one out there, shamelessly remaking under the alias of inspiration.
Nanban, is the perfect cocktail you need this Pongal. Laugh, learn, love and cry through this bittersweet experience that only leaves you wanting for more in the end.


Rating : 4/5




P.S: I am not a fan boy of vijay's mass masala flicks, this is completely different for him. He is back with a bang, and yeah the vijay that we liked in the old ages like ”Thulladha manamum thullum”,“kadhalukku mariyadhai”..... times are back. And he has performed exceedingly well when compared to his recent flicks.

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